Methods and systems for sealing a premise-side pipe

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods and systems for sealing at least one leak in at least one of at least one premise-side pipe and a premise-side pipe network, the method including passing at least one of a pig train and a sealant composition under pressure along at least one of said premises-side pipeline and at least part of said premises-side pipe network such that a portion of the sealant composition enters at least one leakage site to seal and cure the at least one leak on said premise-side.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to methods for sealingpipelines, and more specifically to methods for sealing premise pipes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many liquids and gases are transported overland via pipelines, whichextend for hundreds of kilometers. These pipelines are subject toageing, corrosion, cracks, earthquakes and other impacts, which cancause minor or major leakage. The leakage may be difficult to detect andyet more difficult to stop.

A leakage may be discovered by a sharp pressure-drop over the length ofthe pipeline, or by emission of the gas/liquid from the pipeline. Thismay lead to significant environmental pollutions and to massivefinancial loss. The repair of underground pipelines poses a series ofcomplicated technological problems considering the relevant factors,including, difficult accessibility, partial or complete replacement ofpart of the pipeline, or in situ pipeline repair.

Russian Patent No. 2063273 describes a method of in-situ repair byinjecting specific chemical substances from both sides of a damagedleakage location.

WO2008/081441, to Perstnev et al., describes a method of repairingleakage in pipelines. The method includes the steps of forming a firstand second openings (14 a, 14 b) in the pipeline (10) upstream anddownstream, respectively, of the leakage location, inserting through thefirst opening (14 a) a first body (C1), filling the space arrear of thefirst body (C1) with a first viscous sealing material (M1), insertingthrough the first opening (14 a) a second body (C2) arrear of the firstviscous sealing material (M1) compressing the first sealing material byapplying a pressure against the first and the second bodies (C1, C2) inopposite directions, causing the first and second bodies (C1, C2) andthe compressed first sealing material (M1) to move in unison in thedirection of the second opening (14 b), and retrieving the first andsecond bodies (C1, C2). Preferably, the method is performed using threebodies (C1, C2, C3) and two sealing materials (M1, M2).

WO2016042541A1 provides pipeline pigs for maintenance of a pipeline, thepig including two adjacent ovular sections generally symmetricallydisposed about a vertical axis, a polymeric band disposed along thevertical axis, the band being adapted to reduce a cross section of thepig along the axis and a longitudinal inner support member disposedcentrally along the ovular sections and perpendicularly to the verticalaxis.

WO2016098093A1 to Perstnev et al., describes systems for curing aleakage in a pipeline, the system including at least one gel pig and atleast one sealant composition; wherein the at least one gel pig and theat least one sealant composition form a pig train, adapted to move alongthe pipeline to a region of the leakage and to seal the leakage.

WO2016098094A1 to Perstnev et al., describes methods for curing aleakage in a pipeline, the system including at least one gel pig and atleast one sealant composition; wherein the at least one gel pig and theat least one sealant composition form a pig train, adapted to move alongthe pipeline to a region of the leakage and to seal the leakage.

WO2016098095A1 to Perstnev et al., provides leakage plugging devices andmethods for sealing a leakage at a remote site in a pipe, the deviceincluding a porous carrier plug of a deformable material including poresand at least one sealant composition disposed in the pores, wherein theporous carrier plug is adapted to transport the at least one sealantcomposition from a first site to a remote site and to plug the leakageat the remote site.

Many industrial applications use fibers. Typically, fibers are used incompositions for building purposes. Some fibers are in the form of ayarn, that is, a continuous often-plied strand composed of eithernatural or man-made fibers or filaments.

In one non-limiting example, hemp yarn has a size of Nm 10 (Nm 10yarn=10,000 meters per kilogram, or about 4,960 yards per pound) fromsingle to multiple plies of 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 in either natural orbleached (using peroxide) Made from earth-friendly wet spun hemp, theseyarns are smooth and durable The yarns may be provided on spools or inpackages and may be single-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, 5-ply, 6-ply and 12-ply orcombinations thereof.

Several technologies have been developed to seal mains pipelines, butthere remains a need to seal lateral pipelines. In many urbancommunities, up to 50% of the total water is lost due from a largenumber of service and lateral pipes.

Much water loss is due to premise-side leakages. These leakages cansometimes be underground and sometimes within a premises.

Premise plumbing includes that portion of the distribution systemassociated with private housing, schools, hospitals, public and otherbuildings and their properties. It is connected to the main municipaldistribution system via a service line at one end and internallydistributes water to the point of use outside and inside the premises atthe other end.

From an infrastructure perspective it includes many low diameter pipes,joints and connections, valves, fittings and tubing, etc. made of aplethora of materials such as PEX, CPVC, galvanized steel, copper,ductile iron and others.

The infrastructure components of the potable plumbing system break downor fail over time due to chemical interactions between the materials andthe surrounding environment. The outcome eventually leads to varioustypes of leaks that can develop into a potential disaster, costinghomeowners and building owners large amounts to repair and rehab.According to online sources, the average cost in the US for fixing leaksis $350 with homeowners spending in an additional $150 to $850 to detectthe location of the leak. If the leak is in an inaccessible locationlike under a slab, the cost to tear out the concrete, repair the pipe,and pour concrete again can cost $2,000 or more. This could also be thecase for repairing a leaking pipe in a ceiling.

There are also intangible negative impacts associated with theconventional method of leak repair in homes. This includes mentaldistress and inconvenience, water service disruption, general disruptionto daily life and time spent waiting for the leak detection service,leak repair plumber and the rehab handyman. According to a surveyconducted by the Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in theUS3, 70% of the respondents who had pinhole leaks in their homes spentat least 10 hours dealing with the leaks and damages.

Thus, there still remains a need for improved methods for sealing leaksin premises-side pipelines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and systems for sealing at leastone leak on a premises in at least one premise-side pipe and apremises-side pipe network, the method including passing at least one ofa pig train and a sealant composition under pressure along at least oneof said at least one premise pipe and said premise-side pipe networksuch that a portion of the sealant composition enters at least oneleakage site to seal and cure the at least one leak on said premises.

It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to providemethods for sealing leaks in premises pipelines.

In some embodiments of the present invention, improved methods areprovided for sealing leaks in lateral or vertical pipelines.

In other embodiments of the present invention, pipeline sealantcompositions are provided for sealing premise-side pipeline leaks.

The pipelines may be of any length. The lateral and vertical pipes aretypically, but not necessarily less than 1000 m, 100 m, 50 m, 30 m, 10 m3 m or 1 m. Typically, lateral/vertical pipes have internal diameters ofless than, 4, 3 or 2 inches. The pipes or pipelines may be made of anysuitable material or material combination, selected from, but notlimited to, a plethora of materials such as PEX, CPVC, galvanized steel,copper, ductile iron, combinations thereof and the like. In additionalembodiments for the present invention, quick-curing pipeline sealantcompositions are provided which are introduced into a mains line inorder to seal a leak in a lateral pipeline.

The present invention provides a method of sealing a leak in a lateralpipe, the method including passing a repair composition under pressurealong a main pipeline such that a portion of the repair compositionenters the lateral pipe from the main pipeline and allowing the portionto reach the leak and to seal the leak.

According to several embodiments, in some case, the terminus of thelateral is isolated (i.e. terminated or valved off) and the sealantcomposition or pig train is drawn into the lateral by virtue of theleakage flow alone. According to other embodiments, a tap is disposed atthe terminus of the lateral pipe to discharge liquid thus compensatingfor cases where the leakage flow alone is small.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, a method for sealing a leak within a premises, the methodincluding;

-   -   a. passing a repair composition under pressure along a pipeline        such that a portion of the repair composition enters the leaking        pipe; and    -   b. allowing the portion to reach the leak and to seal the leak        within said premises.        There is thus provided according to another embodiment of the        present invention, a method for sealing a leak in a second        lateral pipe within a premise-side, the method comprising:    -   a. passing a repair composition under pressure along a first        pipeline such that a portion of the repair composition enters a        second pipe from the first pipeline; and    -   b. allowing the portion to reach the leak and to seal the leak        within said premise-side.        There is thus provided according to another embodiment of the        present invention, a method for sealing a leak in a first        pipeline in a premise-side, the method comprising:    -   a. passing a repair composition under pressure along the first        pipeline such that a portion of the repair composition enters a        location of said leak to seal the leak on said premise-side.

The present invention provides systems and methods for curing a leakagein a pipeline within a premises, the system including at least onefiber-in-liquid sealant composition and at least one gel pig; whereinthe at least one gel pig and the at least one fiber-in-liquid sealantand form a pig train, adapted to move along the pipeline to a region ofthe leakage and to seal the leakage within said premises.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, a system for curing at one leakage site in a premisespipeline network, the system including;

-   -   a) at least one gel pig; and    -   b) at least one fiber-in-sealant composition; wherein the at        least one gel pig and the fiber-in-liquid carrier or sealant        composition form a pig train, adapted to move along the pipeline        to a region of the at least one leakage and to seal the at least        one leakage in said premises pipeline network.

A non-limiting example of a sealant composition is:

-   -   a) fibers of different sizes;    -   b) at least one sealant; and    -   c) water.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, therepair composition is disposed in a repair composition train.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the repaircomposition train includes two pigs with the repair composition disposedtherebetween.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, therepair composition train includes a rear pig and the repair composition.

Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, therepair composition train includes three pigs with the repair compositiondisposed between a first and a second the pigs and a second repaircomposition disposed the second and a third pig.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, thepigs are liquid phase pigs.

Additionally or alternatively, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the pigs are solid phase pigs.

Importantly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, therepair composition is at a temperature of 4-120° C.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, therepair composition includes;

-   -   a hardener;    -   an elastic material; and    -   a polycondensate material.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theliquid phase pigs include;

-   -   a cellulosic polysaccharide;    -   a surfactant; and    -   water.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquidphase pigs further include;

-   -   a filler; and    -   a metallic hydroxide.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theliquid phase pigs further include an oil.

Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theleak is selected from the group consisting of a hole, a crack, acorroded section and combinations thereof.

It should be noted that according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the leak loses 50 ml/hour-5,000 l/hr of the fluid.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, themethod further includes sealing at least one leak in the main pipeline.

Additionally or alternatively, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the method further includes sealing a plurality of leaks in aplurality of lateral pipes.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, thepressure is in a range of 0.3-10 bar.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at leastpart of the rear pig and at least a portion of the repair compositionenter the lateral pipe.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theseal is formed in less than sixty seconds after the repair compositionreaches the leak.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theseal is cured in less than one, two or three hours after sealing theleak.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, a system for sealing a leak in a on-premises pipe in apremises pipe network, the system including;

-   -   at least one repair composition;    -   at least one pig; and    -   a pressure control system for controlling at least one of a        pressure in the premises pipe network

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theat least one repair composition includes two repair compositions.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the atleast one pig includes one pig.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theat least one pig includes two pigs.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the atleast one pig includes three pigs.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theat least one pig includes a gel pig.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the atleast one pig includes a plurality of gel pigs.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention inletand outlet valves of the premises pipe network are closed.

EMBODIMENTS

-   1. A method for sealing at least one leak in at least one    premise-side pipe, the method comprising:    -   passing at least one of a pig train and a sealant composition        under pressure along a premise-side pipe such that a portion of        said at least one of a pig train and said sealant composition        enters said at least one leakage site to seal said at least one        leak in said premise-side pipe.-   2. A method according to embodiment 1, wherein said leak is in a    first pipe.-   3. A method according to embodiment 1, further comprising passing    said at least one of a pig train and said sealant composition from a    second pipe into said first pipe.-   4. A method for sealing a leak in a second premise-side pipeline,    the method comprising:    -   passing at least one of a pig train and a sealant composition        under pressure along a first premise-side pipeline to said        second premise-side pipeline such that a portion of said at        least one of a pig train and a sealant composition enters said        second premise-side pipeline to a location of said leak to seal        said leak.-   5. A method for sealing a leak at a leakage site in a premise-side    pipe, the method comprising:    -   passing at least one of a pig train and a sealant composition        under pressure along a premise-side pipeline such that a portion        of said at least one of a pig train and said sealant composition        enters a premise-side pipe network from said premise-side        pipeline; and    -   allowing said portion to reach said leak site and to seal said        leak within said premise-side pipe network.-   6. A method according to any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the    premise-side pipe and said premise-side pipe network are adapted to    convey a fluid selected from the group consisting of water, oil,    gas, petrol, a heating fluid and a cooling fluid.-   7. A method according to embodiment any of embodiments 1-5, wherein    said pig train and said sealant composition comprise at least one    gel pig.-   8. A method according to embodiment 7, wherein said at least one gel    pig comprises at least two gel pigs.-   9. A method according to embodiment 8, wherein said pig train    further comprises a sealant composition.-   10. A method according to embodiment 9, wherein said sealant    composition comprises at least one of fibers and chips.-   11. A method according to embodiment 1, wherein said at least one of    a pig train and said sealant composition is at a temperature of    4-50° C.-   12. A method according to embodiment 9, wherein said sealant    composition comprises:    -   a. a hardener;    -   b. an elastic material; and    -   c. a polycondensate material.-   13. A method according to embodiment 12, wherein said at least one    gel pig comprises:    -   a. a cellulosic polysaccharide; and    -   b. water.-   14. A method according to embodiment 13, wherein said at least one    gel pig pig further comprises boric acid.-   15. A method according to embodiment 1, wherein said leak is    selected from the group consisting of a hole, a crack, a corroded    section and combinations thereof.-   16. A method according to embodiment 15, wherein said leak loses    0.05-5000 l/hr of said fluid.-   17. A method according to embodiment 1, further comprising sealing    at least one leak in said main pipeline.-   18. A method according to any of embodiments 1-5, further comprising    sealing a plurality of leaks in a plurality of premise-side pipes.-   19. A method according to any of embodiments 1-5, wherein said    pressure is in a range of 0.4-10 bar.-   20. A method according to any of embodiments 1-5, wherein said seal    is formed in less than sixty seconds after the repair composition    reaches the leak.-   21. A method according to any of embodiments 1-5, wherein said seal    is cured in less than one, two or three hours after sealing the    leak.-   22. A method according to embodiment 19, wherein said seal is cured    in less than three hours after sealing said leak.-   23. A system for sealing a leak in a lateral pipe from a main    pipeline, the system comprising:    -   a. at least one sealant composition;    -   b. at least one gel pig; and    -   c. a pressure control system for controlling at least one of a        pressure in said main pipeline and a pressure in said lateral        pipe.-   24. A system according to embodiment 23, wherein said sealant    composition further comprises    -   a. fibers;    -   b. at least one sealant; and    -   c. water;-   25. A system according to embodiment 24, where said fibers are in at    least one form selected from the group consisting of: single fibers,    wound fibers, yarns and combinations thereof.-   26. A system according to embodiment 25, wherein said yarn is    single-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, 6-ply and 12-ply and combinations thereof.-   27. A system according to embodiment 5, wherein the premise-side    pipe may be of a diameter in the range of 0.5-4 inches, 1-3 inches,    or 2-2.5 inches.-   28. A system according to embodiment 5, wherein the premise-side    pipe network may be of a length in a range of 1-1000 m, 10-500 m,    20-200m or 30-100 m.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, takentogether with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferredembodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so thatit may be more and fully understood.

With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressedthat the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention only and are presented in the cause of providing what isbelieved to be the most useful and readily understood description of theprinciples and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, noattempt is made to show structural details of the invention in moredetail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of theinvention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent tothose skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may beembodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system for curing a leakin a residential pipe connected to a manifold, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is simplified schematic diagram of a system for curing a leak ina residential supply pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system for curing a leakin a residential water supply system, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system for curing a leakin a swimming pool water supply system, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified schematic diagrams of system for curingleaks in cold and hot water branched residential pipelineconfigurations, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specificembodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also indifferent ways that embody the characterizing features of the inventionas described and claimed herein.

The pigs, sealant compositions, carrier fluid compositions and chipsused in the present invention may be any described in the followingpatents/patent applications, incorporated herein byreference:—WO2008/081441, to Perstnev et al., WO2016042541A1,WO2016098093A1, WO2016098094A1, WO2016098095A1, U.S. Pat. Nos.9,045,648, 9,738,798B2, US20170299108A1, US20170363245A1 andUS20180003330A1.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified schematic diagramof a system 1100 for curing a leak 1101 in a residential pipe 1116connected to a manifold 1110, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

A sealant composition and/or pig train 1142 is introduced to a premisepipe 1146 (sometimes termed a supply pipe) via a valve or tap 1140 andspecially-adapted conduit 1146, temporarily or permanently connected tothe service pipe 1104. Typically, service pipe 1104, has a water meter1106 and a valve 1108, and receives water or other fluid flow 1102 froma mains pipe (not shown). The water enters a second premise pipe 1109.

A manifold 1110 is configured to divide water or other fluid flow 1102into a number of secondary pipes 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118 and 1120. Thesesecondary pipes may have one or more branches 1122, 1124, 1126, 1128 and1130, respectively. They also have one or more downstream valves 1152,1154, 1158, and 1160, respectively for closing the flow to each of thesecondary pipes. In the case illustrated, there is a leak site 1125having leakage 1101 in pipe 1116. All of valves 1152, 1154, 1158, and1160 are closed. The water flows out of pipe 1116 via flow 1117.

Flow 1102 is stopped by valve 1108. Thereafter, the sealant compositionand/or pig train 1142, introduced via conduit 1146 and flows up pipe1146 to manifold 1110. Since all of valves 1152, 1154, 1158, and 1160are closed, the sealant composition and/or pig train 1142, travels uppipe 1116 to seal and cure the leakage site and stop leakage 1101. Asealant composition and/or pig train 1142 flow out of pipe 1116 at openvalve (1156, not shown) and seals the leakage site.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of system 1280 for curing aleak site 1206 with leak fluid 1297 leaking therefrom in a premise pipe,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, a sealant composition and/or pig train 1292 (similar oridentical to pig train 1142 (FIG. 1) and/or 1354 (FIG. 3) is introducedto a premise pipe 1204 via a valve or tap 1296 and specially-adaptedconduit 1290, temporarily or permanently connected to the premise pipe1204.

The sealant composition and/or pig train 1292 flows in pipe 1204 to sealleak 1295 at a leakage point 1206, en passant. The sealant compositionand/or pig train 1292 is recovered from system 1280 via a temporary exitconduit 1298 via an opened exit valve 1287 in a flow 1299. Typically,premise pipe 1204, has a valve 1251 further downstream which is closedduring the operation to stop a flow out of the valve 1251.

The pressure of the flows in all the systems described herein, istypically controlled by an inlet pressure on the inlet flow, such asflow 1144 in FIG. 1 or the out of valve 1251 in FIG. 2, as well as theinternal diameter and lengths of the various conduits and pipes, coupledwith the discharge valve 1287 configuration (openness).

Turning to FIG. 3, there is seen a simplified schematic diagram of asystem 1300 for curing a leak 1301 in a residential water supply 1302,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

System 1300 comprises a service pipe 1310 receiving a fluid flow, suchas, but not limited to water flow 1302. The service pipe comprises aconnector 1304, a water/fluid meter 1306 and a valve or tap 1308. Apremise pipe 1311 is in fluid connection via a manifold 1312 with anumber of house pipes 1322, 1324, 1326, 1328 and 1330.

The house pipes connect the premise pipe with various utilities, such asa sink 1352, toilet 1354, bathtub 1356, bidet 1358 and washing machine1351. These utilities should not be deemed limiting and may include anyhouse fixture, utility, unit or machine requiring a water supply. Eachof the house pipes 1322, 1324, 1326, 1328 and 1330 has one or morerespective taps or valves 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338 and 1340, for switchingthe water supply on or off, and/or increasing reducing the water supplyto that utility, respectively.

In close proximity to tap 1308, a temporary sealing conduit 1350 isconnected with a valve 1352 or tap at the end thereof. A sealantcomposition or pig train 1354 is introduced into the system to seal aleak 1301 at a leakage site 1331 in one of the house pipes 1326. Tap orvalve 1338 may be closed during the sealing cycle or opened if the leakis too small to create the necessary drive flow. After the sealing hasbeen completed (could be more than one sealing cycle) then the remainingmaterials are flushed out.

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system 400 for curing aleak in a swimming pool water supply system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Pipe 406 is typically a 63 mm pipe or other. 408 is a pump whichpressurizes incoming water to the pool system. The incoming water isfiltered water that originates from skimmers (opposite jet nozzles) orthe overflow gratings (460, 464) and goes down into the drainage system(470) to be filtered (472). Therefore, the system to be treated is partof a filtration system where the water constantly circulates. Pipe 410is typically a 50 mm pipe or other. 401, 403 are jet nozzles. Sealingleak 420 is similar to all other cases with the exception that thenozzles are first capped to form an isolated system. The jet nozzles arefitted with nozzle caps, as are known in the art (not shown) to isolatethe system.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified schematic diagrams of systems 500, 550,respectively, for curing leaks in cold and hot water branchedresidential pipeline configurations, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. The residential system includes a toilet 560(with a valve 561), a hot water tank and heater 520 (with valves 581,582), a bath (with valves 541, 542) and shower arrangement 540 (withvalves 541, 542), sink arrangements 510, 550 (with valves 511, 512 and551, 552, respectively), a washing machine 502 (with valves 591, 592),and a network of pipelines connecting cold water pipes 503, 505, 507509, 511, 526, 534, 532, hot water pipes 504, 522, 524, 526 and sewagepipes 574, 566, 564, 562, a main stack 576 and a vent stack 530.

FIGS. 5A and 5B along the same principles as above in FIGS. 1-4, a pigtrain 1142 or similar is introduced into pipe 536 via a valve 537 andtravels via a branch 534 to a pipe 509 via one or more branches orpipes. All branches are isolated via the valves listed hereinabove ateach of the termini so that the pig train only travels to the leak 520.In some case, the terminus of the premise-side (such as a house pipe)pipe is isolated (i.e. terminated or valved off) and the sealantcomposition or pig train is drawn into the pipe or pipe network byvirtue of the leakage flow alone. According to other embodiments, a tapis disposed at the terminus of the lateral pipe to discharge liquid thuscompensating for cases where the leakage flow alone is small.

Turning to FIG. 5B, a pig train 1142 or similar is introduced into pipe524 via a valve 583 and travels via a branch to pipe 504 via twobranches of pipes. All branches are isolated via taps/valves at each ofthe termini so that the pig train only travels to the leakage flow 501.In some case, the terminus of 504 is isolated (i.e. terminated or valvedoff) and the sealant composition or pig train is drawn into pipe 504 byvirtue of the leakage flow 501 alone and finally seals said leakageflow. According to other embodiments, the tap/valve 592 at a terminus599 of pipe 504 to discharge liquid thus compensating for cases wherethe leakage flow 501 alone is small.

The leak 520 in the cold water system (FIG. 5A) and/or leak 501 in thehot water system (FIG. 5B) is thus sealed and cured by the methods ofthe present invention.

It should be understood that FIGS. 1-5B are exemplary and are intendedto illustrate the methods of the present invention, which enable sealingand curing of many different types of leaks in premise-side pipe and/orpipe network leaks. This includes all types of pipeline topologies suchas, but not limited to a star topology, a branch topology, a mixedtopology and combinations thereof.

By premise, premise-side, premise-side network or house pipe is meantany pipe within/on a premises, of various types of connections andorientations and any topology such as star or branch topologies, but notlimited thereto.

Application 1

Repair method “inside” premise pipes.

The present invention relates to a process for repairing pipes, tubingfrom the “inside”, in particular, to methods of repairing premise pipes.

In accordance with this method, repair materials (such as sealantcompositions and/or a pig train) are fed into the premise network and/orpremise pipes. The repair materials, such as a pig train and/or sealantcompositions, are fed under pressure into and at a constant speed alongthe premise pipes. Upon arriving at a junction or branch the repairmaterial will advance only up to the area of the leak and then whenarriving at the said area, seals the leak from a hole/crack, where itthen hardens, leading to the curing of the premise-side pipe and/orpipe-network. This eliminates or significantly reduces leakage from thepremise-side pipe/network. Some aspects of the present invention providenovel methods and systems for increased reliability in the sealing ofleakages in premise-side leaks.

At the same time, it is assumed to simplify the process of repair ofsuch pipes and avoiding the need to excavate, avoiding tearing outconcrete, walls, ceilings and the like.

This goal is achieved by the fact that the repair material is feddirectly into the premise pipe. The remaining material from the repairis extracted at the terminus and the pipe is later flushed out to getrid of any remaining materials and to achieve the necessary waterquality level form potable water.

Another non-limiting example of sealant composition 108 is:

-   -   a) plant fibers of different sizes;    -   b) silica;    -   c) at least one sealant composition; and    -   d) water or a carrier fluid.

Another non-limiting example of composition 108 is:

-   -   a) hemp plant fibers of different sizes;    -   b) at least one sealant composition;    -   c) silica; and    -   d) water or a carrier fluid.

Typically, fibers are used in compositions for building purposes. Somefibers are in the form of a yarn, that is, a continuous often-pliedstrand composed of either natural or man-made fibers or filaments.

In one non-limiting example, hemp yarn has a size of Nm 10 (Nm 10yarn=10,000 meters per kilogram, or about 4,960 yards per pound) fromsingle to multiple plies of 2, 3, 5, 6 and 12 in either natural orbleached (using peroxide) Made from earth-friendly wet spun hemp, theseyarns are smooth and durable The yarns may be provided on spools or inpackages and may be single-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, 6-ply and 12-ply orcombinations thereof.

The pigs, sealant compositions, carrier fluid compositions and chipsused in the present invention may be any described in the followingpatents/patent applications, incorporated herein byreference:—WO2008/081441, to Perstnev et al., WO2016042541A1,WO2016098093A1, WO2016098094A1, WO2016098095A1, U.S. Pat. No. 9,045,648,9,738,798B2, US20170299108A1, US20170363245A1 and US20180003330A1.

The references cited herein teach many principles that are applicable tothe present invention. Therefore the full contents of these publicationsare incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for teachings ofadditional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details set forth in the description contained hereinor illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that variousmodifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of theinvention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope,defined in and by the appended claims.

REFERENCES

-   Bogoeva-Gaceva, G., Avella, M., Malinconico, M., Buzarovska, A.,    Grozdanov, A., Gentile, G., & Errico, M. E. (2007). Natural fiber    eco-composites. Polymer composites, 28(1), 98-107.-   Célino, A., Fréour, S., Jacquemin, F., & Casari, P. (2014). The    hygroscopic behavior of plant fibers: A review. Frontiers in    chemistry, 1, 43.-   Mwaikambo, L. Y., & Ansell, M. P. (2002). Chemical modification of    hemp, sisal, jute, and kapok fibers by alkalization. Journal of    applied polymer science, 84(12), 2222-2234.-   Wang, B., Sain, M., & Oksman, K. (2007). Study of structural    morphology of hemp fiber from the micro to the nanoscale. Applied    Composite Materials, 14(2), 89.

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A method for sealing at least one leak in at leastone of a premise-side pipe and at premise-side pipe network, the methodcomprising: a. activating a pressure control system for controlling apressure in said premises-side pipe network, the pressure control systemcomprising at least one flow meter configured to measure a liquid flowrate and at least one valve for controlling said pressure; and b.passing at least one gel pig and a sealant composition comprising fibersunder pressure along the premise-side pipe and at least part of saidpremises-side pipe network such that a portion of said at least one gelpig and said sealant composition flows at said pressure and enters saidat least one leakage site to seal said at least one leak.
 26. A methodaccording to claim 25, wherein said leak is in said premise-side pipenetwork.
 27. A method according to claim 25, further comprising passingsaid at least gel pig and said sealant composition from a premise-sidepipe into all of said premises-side pipe network.
 28. A method forsealing a leak in a premise-side pipe network, the method comprising: a.activating a pressure control system for controlling a pressure in saidpremises-side pipe network, the pressure control system comprising atleast one flow meter configured to measure a liquid flow rate and atleast one valve for controlling said pressure; and b. passing at leastone gel pig and a sealant composition comprising fibers under pressurealong a first pipeline to said premises-side pipe network at saidpressure such that a portion of said at least one of a pig train and asealant composition enters at least a part of said premises-side pipenetwork to a location of said leak to seal said leak.
 29. A method forsealing a leak at a leakage site in a premise-side pipe, the methodcomprising: a. activating a pressure control system for controlling apressure in said premises-side pipe network, the pressure control systemcomprising at least one flow meter configured to measure a liquid flowrate and at least one valve for controlling said pressure; and b.passing at least one gel pig and a sealant composition comprising fibersunder pressure along a premises-side pipeline such that a portion ofsaid at least one gel pig and said sealant composition enters saidpremises-side pipeline from outside said premises at said pressure; andc. allowing said portion to reach said leak site and to seal said leak.30. A method according to claim 25, wherein the premises-side pipelineand said premises-side pipe network are adapted to convey a fluidselected from the group consisting of water, gas, a heating fluid acooling fluid and a drain pipe.
 31. A method according to claim 25,wherein said at least one gel pig comprise one gel pig.
 32. A methodaccording to claim 31, wherein said at least one gel pig comprises atleast two gel pigs.
 33. A method according to claim 32, wherein said pigtrain further comprises a sealant composition.
 34. A method according toclaim 33, wherein said sealant composition further comprises chips. 35.A method according to claim 25, wherein said at least one gel pig andsaid sealant composition is at a temperature of 4-50° C.
 36. A methodaccording to claim 33, wherein said sealant composition comprises: a. ahardener; b. optionally, a resin; c. an elastic material; and d. apolycondensate material.
 37. A method according to claim 36, whereinsaid at least one gel pig comprises: a. a cellulosic polysaccharide; andb. water.
 38. A method according to claim 36, wherein said at least onegel pig further comprises boric acid.
 39. A method according to claim25, wherein said leak is selected from the group consisting of a hole, acrack, a corroded section and combinations thereof.
 40. A methodaccording to claim 39, wherein said leak loses 0.05-5000 l/hr of saidfluid.
 41. A method according to claim 25, further comprising sealing atleast one leak in said pipeline.
 42. A method according to claim 25,further comprising sealing a plurality of leaks in a plurality of pipes.43. A method according to claim 25, wherein said pressure is in a rangeof 0.4-10 bar.
 44. A method according to claim 25, wherein said seal isformed in less than three hours after reaching said leak.